In a world of chocolate, whimsy, and a touch of pure magic, enters the innocent-looking and ever so charming Timothée Chalamet as the young Willy Wonka. The curtain has lifted from Wonka, the musical prequel to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and it has received positive reviews from critics and entertainment journalists alike. The first reactions are rolling in, calling it a “winning confection” and an “instant holiday classic.” Directed by Paul King, known for Paddington and Paddington 2, the film explores Wonka’s earlier years before establishing his renowned chocolate factory.
For those unfamiliar with the story, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a 1964 children’s novel by British author Roald Dahl. The story features the adventures of young Charlie Bucket inside the chocolate factory of eccentric chocolatier Willy Wonka. Actor Johnny Depp played Willy Wonka in the 2005 film of the same name. Now, through its prequel, Wonka, the film transports us back to a time when Wonka’s chocolate empire was just a dream. Chalamet steps into the shoes of the budding chocolatier, on a quest to open his very first chocolate shop.
Joining him on this sweet adventure are the likes of Calah Lane, Keegan-Michael Key, Matt Lucas, Sally Hawkins, Rowan Atkinson, Olivia Colman, and Hugh Grant, in the supporting cast.
As we dive into the early reviews of the film, cinema critic Courtney Howard paints a picture of Wonka as a delightful mix of charm, whimsy, and heart, accompanied by enchanting musical numbers that transport us to a simpler time. Chalamet, she notes, is a true charisma factory, and Hugh Grant? Well, he’s in a league of his own with an exceptional “IDGAF mode.”
#Wonka/ #WonkaMovie is a winning confection, filled with perfect amounts of charm, whimsy & poignancy, powered by pure imagination & bright, nimble musical numbers. Timothée Chalamet is a charisma factory. His full committal is intoxicating. Hugh Grant in exceptional IDGAF mode. pic.twitter.com/vjKJqqY6ll— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) November 28, 2023
Gizmodo’s senior reporter, Germain Lussier joins in, praising Chalamet as the heart and soul of the film. While he hints at a few bumps in the story and tone, the overall experience is wrapped in joy and accompanied by delightful tunes.
Timothée Chalamet is reason alone to see #WonkaMovie. He’s infinitely charming & a blast to watch. The movie around him isn’t as good but it’s enjoyable. The story & tone fight against each other leaving it a bit muddled. And yet it's filled with joy & the songs are delightful. pic.twitter.com/s1zlqtzIgv
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) November 28, 2023
“Wonka’ is a super charming delight powered by an exceptional & pitch-perfect performance from Timothée Chalamet,” wrote film writer Perri Nemiroff. “It can get quite silly and there’s a few plot points that are a tad on the thin side, but that couldn’t stop such an impossibly sweet film with a hefty & very effective dose of sincerity from warming my heart,” wrote journalist Perri Nemiroff
Here are some more reactions to the upcoming fantasy film.
#Wonka is SHOCKINGLY good ????????????Paul King delivers a movie along the lines of#Paddington for adults
turning Wonka into a male #MaryPoppins!
The movie manages to be its own thingand is as fun as seeing a live Broadway show!
Definitely this year's big holiday movie! pic.twitter.com/ezj0MaLKgo
— Grace Randolph (@GraceRandolph) November 28, 2023
#WonkaMovie is unabashedly silly, and a perfectly charming family film. Wonka’s world is brilliantly designed, capturing the wonder of his early years.Embracing a quirky, heartwarming tone, Wonka is funny and sweet enough to overcome any minor bumps in the road. pic.twitter.com/WPCxA2r1A9
— Daniel Howat (@howatdk) November 28, 2023
#Wonka is visually delightful. Shout out to Nathan Crowley, his world building is fantastical in every way. pic.twitter.com/JESCGvC4zS— Jazz Tangcay (@jazzt) November 28, 2023
The film is produced by Warner Bros., which reportedly has long aspired to create a prequel to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Amidst the whispers of Donald Glover, Ezra Miller, and Ryan Gosling, it was Chalamet who stepped into the iconic role without even needing to audition. Variety reports that director Paul King, a Chalamet enthusiast, believed the actor had the perfect blend of singing and dancing chops to bring Wonka to life and sprinkle magic on his origin story.
Wonka is all set to grace the theatres on December 8.
#Wonka is SHOCKINGLY good ????????????Paul King delivers a movie along the lines of#Paddington for adults
turning Wonka into a male #MaryPoppins!
The movie manages to be its own thingand is as fun as seeing a live Broadway show!
Definitely this year's big holiday movie! pic.twitter.com/ezj0MaLKgo
— Grace Randolph (@GraceRandolph) November 28, 2023
#WonkaMovie is unabashedly silly, and a perfectly charming family film. Wonka’s world is brilliantly designed, capturing the wonder of his early years.Embracing a quirky, heartwarming tone, Wonka is funny and sweet enough to overcome any minor bumps in the road. pic.twitter.com/WPCxA2r1A9
— Daniel Howat (@howatdk) November 28, 2023
#Wonka is visually delightful. Shout out to Nathan Crowley, his world building is fantastical in every way. pic.twitter.com/JESCGvC4zS— Jazz Tangcay (@jazzt) November 28, 2023
The film is produced by Warner Bros., which reportedly has long aspired to create a prequel to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Amidst the whispers of Donald Glover, Ezra Miller, and Ryan Gosling, it was Chalamet who stepped into the iconic role without even needing to audition. Variety reports that director Paul King, a Chalamet enthusiast, believed the actor had the perfect blend of singing and dancing chops to bring Wonka to life and sprinkle magic on his origin story.
Wonka is all set to grace the theatres on December 8.
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